News Release

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Investigation of Man Hoarding Nearly 100 Cats NR11011rf

Los Angeles: Yesterday, the Los Angeles City Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACTF) served an animal hoarding search warrant in the 8900 block of Noble Avenue in Panorama City where a 57-year-old man was living in a motor home with at least 96 cats.

At the location, the ACTF impounded 96 felines, many of which were suffering from upper respiratory ailments producing eye and nose secretions, dental issues exhibiting mouth and facial abscesses and untreated ear mites causing ear deformity. In addition, several cat and kitten remains were discovered wrapped in towels and plastic inside the motor home’s freezer.

Previously, there had been complaints from animal rescue personnel, veterinarians and neighbors that the man had refused medical care for the animals and was maintaining numerous sick cats inside his small residence. For now, the case will be forwarded to the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office for review and to determine what action may be taken against him.

A neighbor has come forward and described an unpleasant odor emanating from the motor home during the late summer. “I’ve seen cats come onto the property,” said the neighbor. “But I’ve never seen any leave the property.”

The ACTF is made up of Los Angeles police officers and detectives, animal control officers from the City’s Department of Animal Services and deputy city attorneys from the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office. Their investigations generally focus on blood sport crimes and cruelty against animals.

Reports of animal cruelty should be reported to the ACTF at 213-486-0450.